The Bahamas, an island chain in the Caribbean Sea, provides vacationers with opportunities to explore some of this tropical region's hot spots. From beautiful beaches with pink or white sand to towns with a bustling nightlife and world-class scuba diving and snorkeling, the Bahamas offers island fun for everyone. Before booking a Bahamian vacation, visitors should develop an understanding of the documents required for international travel, including flying into the Bahamas and returning to the United States.

Flying to the Bahamas

To fly into the Bahamas, United States citizens are not required to present a valid passport. Instead, vacationers traveling by air must show proof of citizenship and identification. Typically, guests must present a birth certificate and a government-issued photo identification in order to enter the Bahamas, according to the United States Department of State (travel.state.gov).

Flying Back to the United States

Although a United States passport is not required to enter the Bahamas, Americas will be required to present their valid passport upon returning to the United States. When flying to and from the Bahamas, many airlines require guests to show their U.S. passport. Airlines created this regulation to help prevent air travelers from becoming stranded. Contact the airline directly for specific regulations. Travelers with citizenship in another country as well as the United States will be able to re-enter the United States only with a U.S. passport.

Obtaining a Passport

To obtain a passport, first-time adult applicants and all minors are required to apply for their passport in person. Citizens must fill out a DS-11 application, available on the United States Department of State website. Along with the completed application, travelers must present evidence of U.S. citizenship, identification and a passport photo. According to the State Department, acceptable citizenship documents include a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, citizenship certificate or consular report of birth abroad. Acceptable identification documents include a valid driver's license, current government-issued photo identification card, current military identification card or a naturalization certificate. Contact the State Department directly for a list of local passport centers. Renewal applications for adults may be processed by mail.

Time Frame

A standard passport application takes about four to six weeks for completion, according to the State Department. Residents should begin the application process as soon as possible in order to obtain all their necessary travel documents before flying to the Bahamas. Those with a family emergency or other problem may contact the State Department for expedited service.

Obtaining a Passport in the Bahamas

An American citizen might find himself unable to fly home from the Bahamas because he does not have a valid passport. Whether the passport was not obtained before travel or was lost or stolen during the trip, it can be a difficult situation. Anyone with a passport problem while in the Bahamas should head to the United States Embassy in Nassau (nassau.usembassy.gov). The embassy can assist American citizens in obtaining a new passport in order to return home. Most often, this process takes about five to 10 days.